Journals from the week ending May 2, 1997
The Catacombs
Derek Thomas, 4/20/97, aboard ship...At the bottom of the ravine, there was a steel gate covering the dark entrance to the catacombs. A guard came to unlock the door and our tour guide lead the way. As we entered, the air was damp and cool. The soft, smooth floor contrasted greatly with the rough limestone walls. The old corridors were dark and sparsely illuminated by artificial light. The ceilings, also made of limestone, crumbled at the slightest touch of our hair brushing against them. We learned that these ruins were used for hiding during the various wars in the Odessa area. Some people hiding in the catacombs had avoided the German army for up to 3 years without going to the surface, which was only 15 meters (50 feet) above. At times, while walking through the catacombs, I felt that I was getting lost in the maze of halls and rooms that appeared to go on forever. The catacombs were amazing to visit, but I cannot imagine myself living there for more than a year like the brave people of 40 years ago.